The 25-year-old was one of several players whose contracts are due to expire this summer along with Alex Pearce, Adam Federici, Pavel Pograbnyak and Jem Karacan.

But Royals revealed today they have taken up the option to extend Gunter's deal by a further 12 months.

Boss Steve Clarke said: “Chris is an important member of the first team squad and, once I knew there was an option to extend his contract, I asked the club to take it up immediately.

"Consistency of performance is what every manager wants from his players and Chris delivers consistently good performances."

Gunter has now made more than 100 starts for the club since signing from Nottingham Forest for £1.5 million less than three years ago.

The ex-Cardiff City and Tottenham Hotspur full back is currently on international duty with Wales ahead of their crucial Euro qualifier against Israel tomorrow.

Gunter became the youngest Welshman to collect 50 Wales caps last season and was second in the Reading supporters’ ‘Player of the Year’ vote.

Gunter has made 36 appearance out of 44 league and cup fixtures this season.